Initramfs -

[apprentice25]

I downloaded Ubuntu 8.10 and burned a CD. I ran it off the CD without a single problem.
Now I must learn how to use that operating system.

 

[linux_0]

Cool

Let us know if you have any questions

GL

 

[apprentice25]

I must learn how to use it. I do not know how to go online with it.
Will it work with my wireless router?
I am going to install it on my empty hard drive.

 

[linux_0]

Some wireless chipsets are horrible but Ubuntu can usually use them, although you may have to plug into a wired router to download the drivers EDIT: the first time that is

If you have a reasonable chipset you should be fine

Most of the time Ubuntu will automatically detect everything

Good luck and keep the questions coming

 

[apprentice25]

I want to be go online with Ubuntu but I do not have a clue how to get it to recognize my Wifi card.
I really need step by step instructions.

 

[linux_0]

What kind of WiFi card do you have?

Does Ubuntu recognize it and put it in your system tray at the top right?

These instructions might help

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WifiDocs/WiFiHowTo

Good luck

 

[apprentice25]

Rosewill wireless G PcI Card

 

[linux_0]

Which one of these do you have?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=Rosewill+wireless+G&x=9&y=34


Sadly some Rosewill cards are difficult to get drivers for, you may have to use NDISwrapper and load the windows driver which is far from ideal


Please click on Applications => Accessories => Terminal

sudo su -

# type in your user password

/sbin/lspci -vvvvvvvv

Please save or print the output and post it if you can


Good luck

 

[linux_0]

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=31926

Good luck

 

[apprentice25]

Getting Closer!

I now see that Ubuntu has recognized my WiFi card. It shows a few wireless networks, including my own. I do not know where to from here however.

Thanks

 

[apprentice25]

Success! Somehow I got online with Ubuntu 8.10. I was running it off the CD, and it was sweet. Sometimes we forget little things. My password for the wifi had numerals in it. I did not realize that number pad was not responding. Tomorrow I will install it on the empty hard drive.

 

[linux_0]

Nice, good job

 

[apprentice25]

I have been running Ubuntu 8.10 off the CD for the past couple of days. So far I like what I see. It immediately recognizes many networks, including my own.
Now the next step with the kind help of this forum.
I have two hard drives. One has Vista installed on it. The other is empty. I want to install it on the empty hard drive.
Now here is the problem.
I went into BIOS and checked the BOOT Priority screen. It does not allow for two hard drives to be listed there at the same time. Should I put the empty hard drive into the boot priority screen then install Ubuntu?
If there is a better way to do it, I will listen. I am happy with Vista, and I do not want to adversely affect it.

Thanks

 

[linux_0]

Linux comes with the GRUB bootloader which allows you to boot multiple operating systems.

You could install GRUB onto /dev/sdb ( your second SATA HDD ) and change your boot order in the BIOS to boot from your 2nd hard drive.

If you do that, you won't disturb vista at all on the first hard drive.

Make sure you use the empty drive during the partitioning process.

Good luck

 

[apprentice25]

My question still is, should I put the empty hard drive into the boot priority screen?

 

[linux_0]

Yes.

In that case change your BIOS boot order to

0. CD/DVD ( you need to boot from the Ubuntu CD to install )

1. EMPTY HDD ( this should show up as /dev/sda under the ubuntu installer after you change the BIOS boot order, although your BIOS may vary )

2. VISTA HDD or NONE ( this should show up as /dev/sdb and should show your Vista partitions )

3. NONE

4. NONE



When you get to the Ubuntu partitioner make sure you do not make any changes to your vista drive.

Create the partitions on the empty drive and then install GRUB on that same drive and not the vista drive with the NTFS partition.

If you haven't got a backup of your vista system now may be a good time to do it before you do anything else.

Good luck

 

[apprentice25]

Thanks:
There is really nothing that needs backing up. If necessary, I can always install Vista again.
Once Ubuntu is installed, upon booting up, how do I select which hard drive I want?

 

[linux_0]

You will have a GRUB bootloader menu where you can choose your OS.

GL

 

[apprentice25]

Thanks, I think I had enough for the night. I will play some of the old tv shows on fancast.

thanks again, it was a long journey, but I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.